The National Centre of Meteorology issued red and yellow alerts for fog in parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai during the early morning hours on Sunday. These color-coded warnings are designed to alert residents to hazardous driving conditions caused by reduced visibility. The alerts were a key feature of the weekend's weather pattern, highlighting the fluctuating conditions typical of the season. Such warnings are critical for ensuring public safety as visibility drops significantly during these early morning hours.
Light rainfall was observed in some areas on Sunday, August 16, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. The weather department reported that conditions would be partly cloudy to cloudy over parts of the northern and eastern regions, contributing to the precipitation. The cloud cover over the northern and eastern regions contributed to the precipitation, though the heat remained intense. Despite the cloud cover and rain, temperatures remained high across the country. The mercury reached 48°C in some parts of the UAE, while Dubai recorded 42°C and Abu Dhabi saw highs of 45°C. These elevated temperatures underscore the ongoing summer heat, even with the intermittent cloudiness.
To mitigate risks associated with the fog, Abu Dhabi Police reduced speed limits on several major roads. The specific highways affected included the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid road. Motorists were advised to follow electronic information screens and adhere strictly to the changing speed limits displayed. Adherence to these variable speed limits is essential for preventing accidents when visibility is compromised. Such measures are routinely implemented by traffic authorities to maintain safety during periods of low visibility, ensuring that drivers adjust their speed to match road conditions.
Wind conditions were generally light to moderate, blowing from the southeast to northeast with speeds ranging from 10 to 20kmph. However, winds were expected to occasionally pick up, reaching speeds of up to 30kmph. Maritime conditions remained stable, with the sea described as slight in the Arabian Gulf and in the Oman Sea. The forecast also indicated that humidity would increase by night and Monday morning over some western coastal areas. This rise in humidity carries a probability of mist formation, which could once again reduce visibility in coastal zones as the week progresses. The potential for mist suggests that drivers in western coastal areas should remain cautious during early morning commutes.
